Over the past few years, expats from across the globe have discovered the allure of living in Portugal. This beautiful country in Western Europe offers more advantages than just its incredible climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year.
Portugal is also known for its welcoming locals, laid-back lifestyle, affordable quality of life, and, more recently, a thriving property market that has become increasingly attractive to international investors.
If you plan on investing in the Portuguese real estate market, this AMI license Portugal guide will help you choose the best real estate agents in Portugal.
What is the AMI license in Portugal?
Although it is not mandatory, it is advised that you work with a real estate agent when buying property in Portugal. Investing in real estate, especially in a foreign country, can be tricky to navigate, and working with a realtor or buyer’s agent can make the process extremely simple for the buyer and help you figure out the best-case scenario for all parties involved in the deal.
The AMI license (Agência de Mediação Imobiliária) is an important license number every real estate consultant in Portugal must have to be able to work in the Portuguese real estate sector, be it an AMI number for your company or personal AMI license number.
All licensed real estate agents in Portugal are strictly regulated and are required by law to have an AMI number. The AMI is also required to apply for company insurance and civil responsibility insurance, which will carry special coverage.
One of the benefits of having an AMI license is the special coverage which protects both the buyer and the company from any legal issues that may arise during the property purchase process. Licensed agents should display their AMI number in all public-facing advertising and online advertising related to their business.
Before you sign and pay for any agreements related to real estate services, it is essential that you ensure that the real estate agent or company you choose to work with has an AMI license number. This will help you avoid any future issues or potential financial loss that may come with working with an illegal agent.
How do I check if an AMI license is valid?
Real estate agents in Portugal need to abide by the legal framework for real estate in Portugal, set by the Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção (IMPIC), the regulatory body for real estate agents in Portugal.
As mentioned before, each IMPIC-accredited real estate agent will be regulated and legally required to have an AMI number to operate legally as a real estate consultant in Portugal. This AMI number makes it easy for buyers to check the agent’s credentials before they pay for their services.
The IMPIC also manages the AMI license requirements and renewal processes, and issues fines and penalties for not having an AMI license while operating and advertising on public markets. You can check if an AMI license is valid on the IMPIC website.
Why should I check a property professional’s AMI license?
In Portugal, licensed companies are required to hold special coverage known as civil responsibility insurance, which protects both parties (business and client) in the event that a problem occurs during the property sale.
Working with an illegal agent without special coverage and company insurance can lead to the risk of financial harm. Doing your research and checking a professional’s AMI license status will help you avoid any future issues and ensure that you can complete the property purchase process with peace of mind.
Working with Property Specialists
Ideally, you would want to look for a real estate or buyer’s agent who offers transparency in real estate transactions, openly reveals their prioritizing obtaining an AMI license, and is part of groups like the Association of Real Estate Agents of Portugal or Associacão de Mediadores Imobiliários (ASMIP), which help protect and validate their business as a real estate consultant or company.
Working with property specialists also has additional benefits, including, but not limited to, the ones we will explore below.
Navigating the language barrier
If you do not speak Portuguese and are purchasing property from sellers who do not speak English, working with a bilingual property specialist will ensure smooth communication throughout the process.
Local connections and experience
An experienced property specialist will often have access to a vast professional network that includes real estate lawyers, contractors, home inspectors, accountants, and tax practitioners, who can offer you the support and advice you need.
Access to property listings and viewings
The assistance of a real estate agent can come in handy for the property search process due to the fact that real estate companies have access to a database of market data from which they can identify listings that suit your requirements and budget
Market trends and insight
Real estate agents in Portugal, equipped with local knowledge and experience, can provide expert advice on the best house to invest in.
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
Non-EU citizens interested in living in Portugal will need to apply for one of the many visa options offered by the Portuguese government.
These visa options include the Portugal Golden Visa program, created for international investors looking to secure residency in Portugal in return for an investment in the country. For retirees, the D7 Visa, also known as the retirement visa or passive income visa, allows applicants to live in Portugal if they have sufficient passive income to support themselves.
Additionally, Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa is the perfect opportunity for remote workers to live in Portugal, as long as they earn four times the Portuguese minimum wage and work for a foreign (non-Portuguese) employer or are self-employed.
For more information on visa options and which might best suit your needs, contact our residency and citizenship partner, Global Citizen Solutions, which offers more information about the immigration process in this Portugal immigration guide.
How can BE Global help you find your dream property?
BE Global Properties is the discerning property investors’ gateway to meticulously curated properties that transcend ordinary listings. Look no further when searching for your next dream home or investment property in the Portuguese luxury real estate market.
Explore our exclusive listings page and work with our experts, who offer market insights, smart investment choices, and exceptional customer service to find the property investment for sale that is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.
Contact BE Global Properties today and start your search to find your global haven.
Frequently Asked Questions about the AMI License in Portugal
What’s the AMI license number?
The AMI license (Agência de Mediação Imobiliária) is an important license number every real estate consultant in Portugal must have to be able to work in the Portuguese real estate sector.
How to see if a real estate agent has an AMI number?
Verifying a real estate agent’s credentials involves visiting the IMPIC website and accessing the AMI number referencing link. You will then need to submit the number and review the results. The confirmation of registration and displayed license numbers will ensure the agent’s credibility.
How to check the AMI license number is legitimate?
You can verify a real estate agent’s credentials on the IMPIC website by accessing the site and searching for the AMI number.
